Detective Comics #16

A few weeks ago, one of the regulars at the comic shop I work for was geeking out with me over the Emperor Penguin and all the last Detective Comics revealed.  I could not wait for issue sixteen to come out and witness the further exploits of Gotham’s newest resident bad ass. 

But instead of Ignatius Ogivly (can we take a moment here to recognize how great that name is though?) capturing my fancy this issue, it was instead Gotham herself.  This issue is almost an embarrassment of riches for John Layman.  First, it demonstrates just how well Layman can work within editorial constraints.  Unlinke Batman and Robin or Nightwing, this issue of Detective Comics did not suffer one iota from crossing over with the Death of the Family story line.  On top of that, Layman also proves to bat-fans just how well he understands Gotham and her inhabitants.  He astutely potrays the impact Gotham, the Joker, and Batman all have on ordinary citizens’ lives. 

Unlike the other Bat-titles that have been brought into the Death of the Family storyline, issue sixteen of Detective Comics does not bring the Joker directly into play, but rather places him on the periphery.  This “less is more” approach is exactly how crossover titles should be handling Death of the Family.  It allows readers to get a feel for other aspects of how this whole event is playing out.  Instead of sticking the Joker in our faces and demanding we watch more of his exploits, Layman instead pans out and let’s ordinary citizens tell his tale.  It’s subtle and doesn’t make the issue feel superfluous.

In a similar vein, Layman’s presentation of Gotham’s everyday people affected by the Joker’s terror is a rewarding look at the city Batman, and by extension we readers, cares so much about.  Gotham, in Layman’s vision, is an almost organic force.  It reacts to the events that transpire within city limits.  Gotham breathes its despair and agony on to its residents.  The Joker craze that Layman presents is something any fan of Batman can recognize as a completely natural response of Gothamites to their plight.

I know their has been some tepid response to this issue, but have faith Bat-fans!  Layman knows exactly what he is doing with this title.  The art, while nothing to write home about, is completely serviceable and does its job. 

Detective Comics sixteen is a perfect late pickup for those of you who missed it this past Wednesday.